Verbal Complements of the Predicate
Often, the meaning of a predicate verb is complemented by verbal phrases that enrich and complete it. These are the different types of complements that accompany the verb.
Study carefully pages 206 and 207 of the textbook, which discuss these complements. We will discuss some features of some of them. The assessment explained in the textbook is sufficient. The objective of the additional comments is to increase understanding of the text’s explanations.
Direct Object
A direct object is a complement required by the verb to complete its meaning. Some verbs need something more (than themselves) to form the predicate. That something they need is the direct object. For example:
- Luis gave.
We cannot construct a sentence of this type. We need to complete the predicate with something (e.g., “Luis gave a gift”), which is the direct object.
The characteristics that define the direct object are:
- It becomes the subject of the corresponding passive sentence if the verb supports passive conversion. Examples:
- John threw the ball. > The ball was thrown by John.
- It can be replaced by unstressed pronouns “lo, la, los, las.”
- John threw the ball. > John threw it.
- Juan threw the notepad. > Juan threw it.
- It can be preceded by a preposition, except in some cases with a direct object of a person (which may be preceded by the preposition “a”).
- I got the book.
- I saw Mary.
- It never agrees with the verb, but sometimes matches it.
- The president (singular) received (3rd person singular). [There is agreement]
- He received (3rd person singular) the presidents (plural). [Changing the direct object does not change the verb]
Indirect Object
The textbook states that the indirect object represents the person, animal, or thing that receives the benefit or harm of the verb’s action. It has the following characteristics:
- It is always preceded by the preposition “a.” Only when the indirect object is an unstressed pronoun (me, te, se, le, les, nos, os) is the preposition omitted. Examples:
- Say the word to Mary.
- I gave the book.
- It can be replaced with unstressed pronouns “le” and “les.”
- I showed the book to the children. > I showed them the book.
- If the direct object is an unstressed pronoun (lo, la, los, las), the indirect object is not replaced by “le” or “les” but by “se.”
- Say the word to Mary. > Say it to her.
- The indirect object does not change if the sentence is passive; it remains an indirect object.
- I gave the money to my daughter. > The money was given to my daughter by me.
- Often, the indirect object appears in duplicate: the nominal and pronominal indirect object.
- My friend hurt my back.
Agent Complement
The agent complement is a prepositional phrase typical of passive sentences. It indicates what or who performs the action of the verb in passive sentences.
- The work was awarded by the jury.
It is usually preceded by the preposition “by.”
- The agent complement of a passive construction becomes the subject of the corresponding active construction.
- Peter was fined by the police. > The police fined Peter.
- The agent complement should not be confused with circumstantial complements headed by the preposition “by” (having a value of cause).
- He was fined by the police for speeding. [“by the police” is the agent complement. “for speeding” is the circumstantial complement of cause.]
Supplement
A supplement is required by some verbs with a specific preposition to make the sentence meaningful. This means that some verbs require the presence of a complement introduced by a specific preposition.
- The class focused on history.
- We trusted in your good will.
Circumstantial Complement
A circumstantial complement provides the circumstances of place, time, manner, instrument, etc. It is recognized by the questions “Where? When? How? With what?”
- In addition to prepositional phrases and nominal groups without a preposition, many adverbs and adverbial groups play the role of circumstantial complement.
- Yesterday, I crossed the river with some friends. (Circumstantial complements of time and accompaniment, respectively)
- Shall we go to the beach on Sunday? (Circumstantial complements of time and place, respectively)
Predicative Complement
The predicative complement complements two elements of the sentence at once (the verb and the subject or the verb and the direct object). The predicative complement agrees with the word it modifies, which can be the subject or the direct object.
- The gentle waves break on the beach.
- The river was very dirty.
- They arrived at the finish line smiling.
- I found the house messy.